October 2 is unique because the whole nation tends to remember two distinguished individuals who have contributed to the Indian identity in unique ways.
Let us begin with Lal Bahadur Shastriji. Sure his very motto underlines two special classes absolutely necessary for India, and especially in the contemporary times when sustainabilities of all sorts are under threat.
He was, moreover, a powerhouse of probity, integrity and sincerity. If he were not martyred in Moscow under suspicious circumstances, the very history of India would have been different.
As for Gandhiji, I like him more for his writings, whether as an autobiographer or as a journalist or as an essayist. One tends to find gems therein which truly are illuminating.
Yes, currently there are multiple debates and discussions regarding his political positionings. Well, the least that can be said is what I strongly believe in; namely, contexts define individuals. In hindsight, it is always easy to castigate or praise an individual out of proportion. May be, that is THE lesson October 2 has to offer!
Pratima@Equally important it is to note that neither hagiography nor hatchet jobs help us understand an individual. No person can be fully agree-able (in every sense of this term). Undoubtedly, there would be principles, quotes, actions that can be questioned, opened up, debated whether the person concerned is someone whom we vilify and/or consecrate. Yes, that is what October 2 should teach us.
Quote of the day: "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." Yes, indeed, Marcus Aurelius!
Word of the day: hagiography A hagiography is a biography of a saint or a leader that praises its subject in an idealized, glowing way without critical skepticism.
No comments:
Post a Comment